The caspase-activated DNase: apoptosis and beyond

    62 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Organismal development and function requires multiple and accurate signal transduction pathways to ensure that proper balance between cell proliferation, differentiation, inactivation, and death is achieved. Cell death via apoptotic caspase signal transduction is extensively characterized and integral to this balance. Importantly, the view of apoptotic signal transduction has expanded over the previous decades. Subapoptotic caspase signaling has surfaced as mechanism that can promote the adoption of a range of cellular fates. An emerging mechanism of subapoptotic caspase signaling is the activation of the caspase-activated DNase (CAD) through controlled cleavage of the inhibitor of CAD (ICAD). CAD-induced DNA breaks incite a DNA damage response, frequently invoking p53 signaling, that transduces a change in cell fate. Cell differentiation and senescence are fates demonstrated to arise from CAD-induced DNA breaks. Furthermore, an apparent consequence of CAD activity is also emerging, as a potential source of oncogenic mutations. This review will discuss the mechanisms underlying CAD-induced DNA breaks and highlight how CAD activity promotes diverse cell fates.

    Original languageEnglish
    JournalF E B S Journal
    Volume284
    Issue number8
    Pages (from-to)1160-1170
    Number of pages11
    ISSN1742-464X
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2017

    Keywords

    • Review
    • Journal Article

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'The caspase-activated DNase: apoptosis and beyond'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this